Match Center

Polperro

Tavistock AFC Reserves

Great result for us, there were excellent performances throughout the side but collectively the team were spot on for most of this game. The atmosphere was good with much better talking and we still need to improve that….. on the Cornwall Football Forum, they’re asking ‘how many first teamers were in the side’. Jack did well for us yesterday but you thoroughly deserved that result and we shocked them.

We’ve noticed the improvements recently, it seems the players are believing in themselves now. Some of the football was excellent particularly emphasised by our first two goals and the chance Connor Spear nearly netted in the first half from a special move of real quality. We were the better side first half and they just couldn’t handle our second-half display.

Defensively we ask a lot but we were very good for most of the game. Still, plenty to learn – conceding them goals hurts. The first two goals came from hesitation and as defenders, that’s one thing to eradicate, always be positive and take control. We want clean sheets…… hope there’s disappointment when we don’t achieve it.

It’s up to us all to work out the pitch, the tactics, and problems. Polperro’s long ball caused us problems. It continued because…. 1) our defensive line was too high, 2) too many midfielders over committed going forward. Fortunately, George Warren recognised this and dropped in. But it’s risky, always goalside of the keepers distance and never allow the bounce, makes defending so much easier.

Plenty of positives though…clever distribution from the back from Brad, Tyler, Blaine and Kane, intensity in midfield, probing passes but much better quality. Scott Sander’s corners and crosses were exceptional, Jack Crago, Alex Cairo and Connor Spear had a right go at them and George Warren, Sam Clifton with Connor bossed the midfield.

The action…. Blaine Loughran headed against the bar before Sam Clifton’s inviting cross saw Jack Crago’s bullet header leave the keeper stranded for 0-1. A brilliant intricate passing move put Spear in but the keeper was able to save. Another great cross from Scott Sanders saw Crago again head very close and at H/T we deserved the lead.

Second half – we turned up!!!!! Yes! Well on top, more Clifton intelligence fed in Sanders for a stylish finish and 2-0. Now in command, we looked hungry, wanted the ball. Polperro were struggling to handle our passing and top scorer, Bayley Williams was on hand to make it 0-3 with another composed finish. We gifted them a way back into the game failing to clear and there lad lobbed into an empty net. There was plenty of character however. From a corner, Sam Clifton’s diving header made it 1-4 before Alex Cairo was on hand to tap home following good work on the left. Brandon Squires and Fletcher Cook both came on to good effect. At 1-5 we need to close the game down, make it tight, keep possession…. not a criticism, we just have plenty to learn. More hesitation and 2-5. Up the other end and some Alex Cairo magic puts us 2-6 ahead and that should be it but sometimes our charity is too generous so 3-6 it was.

Apologies for the air of disappointment, just don’t like conceding!!!. Well done all, brilliant